My take on: Hidden Summit

Connor Danson and Leslie Petruso are both running away. Not just from love, but from their former lives. Leslie is running from a self-absorbed ex-husband. Connor is running for his life. The only eyewitness to a murder, Connor is trying to lay low until the trial. While they're trying to avoid all the complications of a relationship, that's unavoidable in Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr.

Virgin River is a small town where everyone knows each other. People look out for each other. You do something out of character, and the next day everyone knows about it. This is the town where Connor and Leslie seek refuge.

Connor is a hard-working guy. He has movie-star hero looks. Connor sounds like a hero. He loves working with his hands. He is used to taking care of his widowed sister, Katie, and her twin boys. He is used to working long days. But all of that has been taken away. He puts his life on the line to do what is right. He's the type of person you want in your corner. He sounds too good to be true. Connor's new life in Virgin River is complete with a new job with the local construction company and a small cabin by the lake. The No. 1 piece of advice he has been given is to avoid romantic relationships. That should be easy since his ex-wife cheated on him numerous times. He is a little jaded when it comes to love. That is until he first lays eyes on Leslie.

Leslie hopes a new job will give her a fresh perspective on life. In Grants Pass, Leslie's former home, it was all about her ex-husband Greg. How to make Greg look good. How to further Greg's career. Leslie's voice didn't matter. When he wanted out, Leslie was sure she was free of him. Greg has a new life complete with a pregnant wife, what does he want with Leslie? Greg's character just didn't make sense. He wants his ex-wife as a BFF and potentially have a big part in his child's life. Why? He made it clear Leslie didn't make him happy. But keeping her tied to him gives Greg some type of control. What he does to Leslie in this book are more like stalking than attempts at friendship. Sure former spouses can be friends, but what Greg was doing to Leslie in this book was out there. Virgin River offers Leslie an escape from Greg's madness. Love is not on the agenda. But as luck would have it Leslie and Connor are working at the same construction company. What could possibly happen?

Connor has spent so much time working he has forgotten what love feels like? How can he make an attempt at love given his situation? Who wants to be with a man who has to constantly look over his shoulder? What kind of future can they have? When Connor meets Leslie he feels something but doesn't know what it is. A spark? Attraction? Leslie takes a little more time to feel the sparks. Sure Connor is cute, but he's just one of the many guys she is surrounded by at work.

There are some very sweet moments between Leslie and Connor. They can connect in a way that wasn't possible with their former spouses. Before long the romance is hot and intense (if you're a prude it's not for you). Both of them are finally happy, but sometimes the relationship borders on sappy. Once the sex starts, the dialogue between them is so cutesy. It's a relationship with no attachments or expectations, at least that's what they hope. It's a house of cards as long as Connor is the only witness in a murder investigation. He wants to take control of the situation, but at what cost? The ending leaves you hopeful for the future, but it also seems wrapped up a little too neatly. It's a fun read and I'll be back for more in the series soon.


Rating: Give it a try


Note: I received a copy of the book from the author's publicist (Little Bird Publicity) in exchange for an honest review.